1.
What is your role at the hospice and how long have you worked there?
Head Of Individual Giving and Supporter Care. I have worked at St Elizabeth Hospice for over 5 years, this is the third hospice that I have worked at, I previously worked at St Helena in Colchester and Pilgrims Hospices in Kent.
2.
Can you give us an overview of what your day looks like?
My day is very varied and is very changeable as the day progresses. Primarily it is about looking after our supporters, ensuring they are thanked in a timely manner. I like to think we look after our supporters with as much care as the clinical team look after the patients. Without the support from our community we would not survive. Part of my role looks at how we can supporting people in remembering their loved ones, we want everyone to be able to remember their special person in some way. In my 5 years here we have expanded the choices for remembrance so there is something to suit everybody’s taste.
3.
What is your favourite aspect of your role?
It has to be Christmas. Everyone in the fundraising team knows I love Christmas. I always where a Christmas jumper on 1st November. On a serious note, it is the Christmas appeal which always puts the spotlight on our nursing team and support staff. The behind the scenes stories of how we try so hard to support patients and families at Christmas, at what should be a time of celebration. Often it is so hard as people are really struggling with emotions, unfortunately illness does not stop at Christmas.
4.
Have you got a favourite memory from working at the hospice?
Oh so many, this is where memories are made all the time and we are privileged to be part of them. One of my favourites was John Morley who is hospice patient. He featured in our Christmas Appeal, he was a hospice super hero, I believe he was 90 when he abseiled down the Ipswich Hospital Maternity block wearing a spiderman suit, he is amazing. During our conversations about the appeal letter we somehow got to talking about the Christmas Light Switch on, john said he had never turned on any Christmas lights. So I went away and spoke to the council and told them about the amazing John and they said he could help turn on the Christmas Lights with Mayor. On the night John turned up in his Spiderman outfit and loved the cheers from the crowds, he was in his element.
5.
Can you describe working at the hospice in 3 words?
Fun. Caring. Proud.